This course provides an introduction to environmental issues in Latin America by outlining the historical, political and socioeconomic forces that have driven environmental change in the region. Students visit Buenos Aires, Argentina for a first-hand examination of urban environmental issues in one of Latin America's largest cities.

Fast Facts

Term/Duration:

Intersession/2 weeks

Intersession 2014/2015 Dates:

January 2-18, 2015

Credits:

3 credits

Application Fee:

$20

Estimated Program Fees:

$3890

Tuition:

$735 (tentative)

Application Deadline:

Application period begins March 25

Program Type:

Faculty - led

Program Details

Environmental organizations, scientists, teachers and musicians have been among those to bring attention to the alarming rate of environmental change in Latin America. From deforestation in the Amazon Basin to soil erosion in southern South America, reversing the trend of environmental degradation in Latin Aerica is critical to improving the well-being of the region's inhabitants. This course provides an introduction to environmental issues in Latin America by outlining the historical, political and socioeconomic forces that have driven environmental change in the region. This will provide context for a first-hand examination of urban environmental issues in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. After a series of meeting during the fall semester, students will travel to Buenos Aires for two weeks during the January intersession. Through on-site analysis of issues related to air and water quality, housing, nutrition, public health, municipal waste disposal, and the preservation of open space, students will develop an appreciation and understanding of the environmental problems and challenges facing large Latin American urban areas.

During the fall semester there will be a series of pre-departure meetings and events, which will be arranged at mutually convenient times. These meetings will prepare students for a two-week visit to Argentina during the January intersession. Classroom discussion and field instruction will be in English; however, occasional guest speakers and field-trip guides will present in Spanish. In addition to students interested in environmental studies, the program is also relevant to students studying geography, international relations, history, urban studies, and Latin American studies.

The Setting

Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, is one of the largest cities in the world and home to one of the southern hemisphere's most important port facilities. Often referred to as the "Paris of Latin America," Buenos Aires is resplendent with magnificent architecture, beautiful parks and plazas, and a vibrantly diverse cultural life that reflects the complex mix of its criollo (native) and immigrant-derived population. With its distinctive historical neighborhoods, excellent museums, wonderful (and affordable!) restaurants, bookstores, theaters, musical venues (from folklorico and tango to classical, jazz and rock), Buenos Aires is a window into the evolving character of Latin America.

Links

Accommodation during the program will be in extended-stay apartment hotels in double, triple, or quadruple occupancy units. Students will live within easy access of instructional facilities and cultural amenities.

Orientation

To prepare students for this program, pre-departure activities will be held on the Geneseo campus during the Fall 2012 semester. Non-Geneseo students will receive written materials and personal communication if they are unable to attend these meetings. Students will receive their final grade for the course once they complete the two-week field component in January.

Instructor

Dr. David Aagesen in an Associate Professor in Geneseo's Geography Department and he serves as Director of Environmental Studies. He has also worked as a Faculty Fellow for International Programs. Dr. Aagesen has lived, worked, traveled and undertaken fieldwork in Latin America for a total of eight years since the late 1980s. He has conducted research in Argentina on numerous occasions, and has led successful study abroad programs to Argentina for the past five January intersessions. Email aagesen@geneseo.edu.

Eligibility

Students must be in good academic standing with no serious disciplinary offenses. Knowledge of or exposure to Spanish is preferred but not required.